A Quick Reference Guide to the Cycle Trails of Otago

Grade: 1 (easiest)
Distance: 152km, Clyde to Middlemarch
Duration: 3-4 days

Best for:
Beginners, families and older or less experienced riders.

Highlights:
Big sky country, dramatic Central Otago tussock clad landscapes, cosy country pubs and warm local hospitality, historic bridges, viaducts and tunnels.

How hard is it?
The Otago Central Rail Trail is rated a grade 1 trail, which is the easiest. The trail is general flat, wide and well maintained. Most people ride the length of the trail over 3-4 days riding between 30km – 40km (approx. 3hours) per day. There are small country towns located every 20kms or so along the trail offering accommodation, shops, cafes and pubs. E-Bikes are available from bike tour operators which help make the trail accessible to most ages and abilities.

What can I do off trail?
The Otago Central Rail Trail offers plenty of off trail experiences ranging from curling in Naseby, wine tasting at local vineyards between Clyde and Alexandra, cosy country pubs for long lunches, and a chance to discover the history and heritage of the region at Historic Hayes or Gilchrist’s Store in Oturehua.

How do I plan or book a trip?
The official Otago Central Rail Trail website offers detailed planning information including maps, popular itineraries (including options for day trips) and links to official trail partners offering tour packages, accommodation, transport and bike hire.

The Central Otago NZ website is also useful reference.

Top Tip
Make your life easy and book a trip through a local bike tour company which includes everything from bike hire, daily baggage transfers, accommodation and transportation.

Grade: 1-2 (easy)
Distance: 135km, Roxburgh Dam to Waihola
Duration: 2-3 Days

Best for:
Beginner and intermediate riders, families with teenage kids, and older or less experienced riders

Highlights:
Meandering along the mighty Mata Au | Clutha River, rolling countryside, welcoming country pubs and cafes, the historic Horseshoe Bend Bridge, and the impressive Lake Waihola boardwalk.

How hard is it?
The Clutha Gold Trail is graded between 1 – 2 with some gentle climbs. The trail is wide and well-maintained, but there are some sections where there is a longer distance between towns and services, so riders need to be more self-sufficient.

What can I do off trail?
Riverside picnics, indulge at famous Jimmy’s Pies in Roxburgh, visit historic Gabriel’s Gully in Lawrence where the Otago Gold Rush began, celebrate completing the trail with fish and chips at Lake Waihola.

How do I plan or book a trip?
The official Clutha Gold Trail website has practical information to help you plan your trip including maps and trail section guides. It also has links to official trail partners offering packages, accommodation, transfers and bike hire.

The Clutha NZ and Central Otago NZ websites are also useful reference sites.

Grade: 2-3 (intermediate)
Distance: 21km* (plus 13km jet boat), Alexandra to Roxburgh Dam
*Most people connect to the Clutha Gold Trail at Roxburgh Dam and ride an additional 9km to finish in Roxburgh where there are cafes and services available.
Duration: 1-Day

Best for:
Intermediate and more experienced riders looking for a remote, backcountry riding experience.

Highlights
Dramatic gorge scenery, a genuine backcountry, wilderness experience, the jet boat transfer between Doctor’s Point and Shingle Creek which explores the goldmining heritage through the Gorge.

(Note: construction of a new section of trail between Doctor’s Point and Shingle Creek is due for completion in the summer of 2026 / 2027, until then a jet boat transfer is required to connect the trail).

How hard is it?
The Roxburgh Gorge Trail is mostly grade 2 riding with a wide, well-maintained trail. However, there are a couple of steep, switchback climbs which some people find challenging (grade 3) and some exposed sections of trail. It is also located in a remote wilderness environment, so riders need to be independent and self-sufficient, e.g. be prepared to fix punctures or basic mechanical issues.

How do I plan or book a trip?
The official Roxburgh Gorge Trail website has links to maps, trail guides and official trail partners offering packages, accommodation, transfers and bike hire.

The Central Otago NZ website is also useful reference site.

Top Tip
You must book the jet boat in advance. The trail is generally ridden from Alexandra to Roxburgh and transfers back from Roxburgh are available from local bike tour operators.

Grade: 2-3 (intermediate-advanced)
Distance: 55km in total, or 42km between Cromwell Heritage Precinct and Clyde
Duration: 1-Day

Best for:
Intermediate and more experienced riders looking for a remote and challenging backcountry riding experience. 
Note: The Lake Dunstan Trail is not recommended for beginners, young children or inexperienced riders.

Highlights
The spectacular bluff bridges and Hugo Suspension Bridge, dramatic gorge landscapes, and the impressive engineering required to construct the trail.

How hard is it?
The Lake Dunstan Trail is a challenging day ride and should not be underestimated. It has demanding grade 3 sections which can be narrow and exposed; some long, sustained climbs and technical switchback ascents and descents. The trail is also exposed to the weather with little shelter.
Most people ride from Cromwell Heritage Precinct to Clyde (42km) which generally takes 4-5 hours. Once you have entered the Cromwell Gorge there is no other access to the trail, so riders need to be fully self-sufficient with food, water, appropriate clothing and a toolkit to fix punctures or mechanical problems.

Off Trail Experiences
Visit the Bannockburn wineries to sample the world-renowned Central Otago pinot noir (utilise the easier sections of the trail for a relaxing wine trail experience), explore the Cromwell Heritage Precinct, stroll through historic Clyde with its boutique shops and cafes, or take a tour of the impressive Clyde Dam.

How do I plan or book a trip?
There are numerous local bike tour companies which offer 1-day packages on the Lake Dunstan Trail including E-Bike hire and transfers. Visit the Central Otago NZ website for more information.

Top Tip
Make sure you plan and prepare for the Lake Dunstan Trail properly. Understand the challenges of the trail and assess whether you have the skills, fitness and experience to complete it safely. It's recommended that you watch the Lake Dunstan Trail safety video to help you plan a safe ride.

Grades: 1 - 4 (beginner - advanced)
Distance: a trail network of over 150kms
Duration: 1 - 3 Days

Best for:
Everyone! The Queenstown Trails are comprised of a network of multiple different trails catering for families and beginners wanting an easy half day ride, to experienced mountain bikers looking for challenging backcountry adventures.

Highlights
Exploring Queenstown’s spectacular lake and alpine landscapes, crossing swing dramatic bridges, riding through the Hugo Tunnel, visiting historic Arrowtown, wine tasting in Gibbston, and so much more…

How hard is it?
The Queenstown Trails network caters for families and first timers on easy trails like the grade 1 Arrow River Bridges Trail or Frankton Track where you can ride for just an hour or so, but also has options for advanced mountain bikers looking to challenge themselves on routes like the Coronet Loop, a 50km single track adventure in the backcountry (grade 4).

Off Trail Experiences
From bungy jumping, jetboating or skydiving for thrill-seekers, to wine tasting, scenic gondola rides and long lazy lunches on the lakefront, there is always something happening off-trail in Queenstown to keep you entertained. Visit Queenstown NZ for more information.

How do I plan or book a trip?
The Queenstown Trails Trust website has a comprehensive guide to all the trails, including maps and trail profiles, directions and detailed ride guides. There is also a useful partner directory section where you can find details for bike hire, transfer services and everything else needed for a few days riding in the Queenstown region.

Top Tip
Check out the trail map and plan a loop ride, so that you can start / finish in the same place. Make sure you allow time for coffee stops and lunch along the way – there are lots of great cafes and eateries scattered around the entire trail network.